UFC on Fox 29 ‘Poirier vs. Gaethje’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round-by-Round Scoring

Patrick Williams vs. Luke Sanders

Round 1

The southpaw Sanders presses forward for the better part of a minute before landing a sharp left hand that takes Williams' legs out from under him. Williams recovers quickly and springs back to his feet, but Sanders catches him with another left soon after. Williams tries a takedown, can't complete it, and he continues to be moved around the outside by the more aggressive "Cool Hand Luke." Halfway through the round, Williams turns the tides with a two-piece that stuns Sanders, giving Williams a chance to wrap him up. Williams winds up in a standing rear waistlock, holding Sanders against the fence, but Sanders peels away the American Top Team fighter's hands to escape. Williams trips Sanders to the ground, but they wind up in the whizzer and both men get back on their feet. Sanders keeps Williams on the fence this time, lands another left hand, then stuffs a shot that leaves Williams on his knees. Back up comes Williams, but this time Sanders is waiting for him with a slashing elbow that instantly opens a cut in the middle of Williams' forehead.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Sanders

Round 2

Sanders walks through a Williams high kick to deliver a left hand, but Williams circles out of the pocket before he can take any further damage. Williams blocks a high kick, now wraps up Sanders on the fence. Sanders breaks loose in a hurry to continue his forward pressure, now slugs Williams with another straight left. Williams tags him back with a right hand that produces instant swelling around Sanders' left eye. Sanders continues to bring the pressure, however, and Williams is looking more tired by the second. Williams endures a brief clinch and shoves Sanders away, then stands with his hands by his waist as he waits for his opponent to come back. Williams looks exhausted, leaning over with both hands on his knees as Sanders comes inside for another brief clinch. Suddenly, with 25 seconds on the clock, Williams delivers a slugging right hand that puts Sanders on rubber legs. Sanders takes a few steps backward and eats a subsequent uppercut, then gets taken down, but he'll survive to see the final round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sanders
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Sanders

Round 3

Williams does the better work through the first minute of round three, picking at the legs of the forward-moving but now less active Sanders. "Cool Hand Luke" times one kick and catches Williams with a check hook, but now Williams gets back to leg-kicking. Williams' right eye is nearly swollen shut, while Sanders' left eye is not in great shape either. Two minutes left, Sanders continues to pressure, keeping Williams' back near the fence as he has all fight long. An overhand left sends Williams to the ground, but he gets right back on his feet. Sanders goes to the body with a left, then over the top with a right hand. Williams barely blocks a left high kick, and now Sanders is turning up the volume on his strikes. Another left high kick goes through Williams' raised glove, and this time Sanders follows with a straight left to the face. Williams gets the final word, however, with an inside leg kick and a hard right hand.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Sanders (30-27 Sanders)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Sanders (30-27 Sanders)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Sanders (30-27 Sanders)

The Official Result

Luke Sanders def. Patrick Williams via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00

Matthew Lopez vs. Alejandro Perez

Round 1

Lopez works from the center of the cage, pressing out as Perez circles with his back to the fence. Lopez catches a kick and trips Perez to the mat, but both bantamweights quickly springs back to his feet. Lopez's next takedown sticks, and in a flash, he's transitioned onto Perez's back. Perez fights off a pair of rear-naked choke attempts, then stands up and tries for a takedown of his own. Instead, he winds up holding Lopez on the fence, and now the 135ers separate with 2:40 on the clock. Lopez hits Perez with a heavy body kick, then turns his head with a blistering left hand. Perez is still stunned when Lopez changes levels for another takedown, then jumps on the Mexican's back again. Lopez secures the position with a body triangle and then goes working for the RNC, but again Perez does well to fend off the choke by peeling away Lopez's hands.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Lopez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lopez
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Lopez

Round 2

Perez opens well with a combination, then a hard inside leg kick, slowing down Lopez's forward pressure in the opening minute. Lopez's first takedown attempt is shut down by Perez, who tacks on a pair of leg kicks right afterward. Lopez continues to try and work his way into the pocket, but Perez is waiting with another heavy combination. Perez looks to be the fresher fighter, bouncing on his toes in front of Lopez, who is constantly moving forward, if slowly. Lopez tries another takedown, gets sprawled on by Perez and then stung with a big knee. Lopez is still standing but looking wobbly as Perez tacks on a three-piece combination. Lopez tries to stay vertical, leaning against the fence, but Perez is relentless with his follow-up punches. Lopez never goes down, but he's in deep enough trouble for referee Nick Jones to wave off the bout.

The Official Result

Alejandro Perez def. Matthew Lopez via TKO (Knees and Punches) R2 3:42

Arjan Singh Bhullar vs. Adam Wieczorek

Round 1

Wieczorek circles to his right around the outside and lands an inside leg kick as Bhullar presses outward from the center. Bhullar finds the mark with a right hand, changes levels and takes down Wieczorek with a high single-leg inside 30 seconds. Things slow down on the ground as Bhullar does slow work from the guard of Wieczorek, who is equally ineffective off his back. Bhullar lands a few body punches as Wieczorek continues to shift and squirm in search of an escape. This continues through the middle of the round, but referee Al Guinee allows the heavyweights to continue rolling around at the base of the fence. Finally, with 45 seconds on the clock and boos raining down from the Glendale crowd, the ref orders the fighters back to their feet to circle for the final half minute.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Bhullar
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bhullar
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Bhullar

Round 2

Bhullar walks through a pair of leg kicks to deliver a right hand over the top, and now he jams Wieczorek up against the fence with an underhook. The Canadian changes levels, lifts Wieczorek with a high, hands-clasped double, then plants him on the floor. Bhullar lands in side control but is immediately forced to go on the defensive as Wieczorek works a kimura on his left arm. Bhullar works the arm free, but as soon as he does, Wieczorek slides out to the side, throws up his legs and catches it again, this time in an omoplata. Bhullar tries to resist, but when Wieczorek sinks his hips to the mat, the wrestler taps the canvas in submission.

The Official Result

Adam Wieczorek def. Arjan Singh Bhullar via Submission (Omoplata) R2 1:59

Dhiego Lima vs. Yushin Okami

Round 1

Okami hits a powerful double-leg in the opening minute but isn't able to keep Lima on the floor. Lima resists the next takedown attempt, but the Japanese veteran is able to work him back to the ground in the second minute. Okami takes the back as they hit the mat, but he moves to Lima's guard halfway through the round. There's not much action as Okami works from top position, but he keeps heavy pressure on Lima and manages to connect with a few hard right hands.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Okami
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Okami
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Okami

Round 2

After a sparse opening minute, Okami ducks under a punch from Lima and pushes the Brazilian against the fence with a single-leg takedown attempt. Lima feeds "Thunder" a few right hands as he fends off the takedown, then switches to elbows. Okami completes the takedown with three minutes on the clock, then transitions onto Lima's back once again. Lima puts his back to the fence and scrapes Okami off, leaving the former UFC middleweight title challenger in half guard. Lima powers back to his feet with 90 seconds on the clock, but Okami doesn't let him go far, pinning the younger welterweight to the wall with an underhook. Okami gets another takedown, then hangs all over Lima as he stands up again at the end of the frame.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Okami
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Okami
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Okami

Round 3

Okami secures yet another takedown in the opening minute of the final round, and once again he takes the back of Lima with ease. Okami is only partially on, with one hook in, allowing Lima to climb back to his feet -- albeit with Okami still draped across his back. Okami pulls Lima back to the floor and sets up in the Brazilian's half guard to grind away with ground-and-pound. This continues for the final two minutes, with Okami turning up the volume a bit toward the end but never really coming close to a stoppage.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Okami (30-27 Okami)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Okami (30-26 Okami)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Okami (30-27 Okami)

The Official Result

Yushin Okami def. Dhiego Lima via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26) R3 5:00

Shana Dobson vs. Lauren Mueller

Round 1

Both flyweights connect with right hands in the opening minute, but it's Dobson pressing forward with a leg kick, a brief clinch, then breaking away with another right. Mueller opts to clinch and jams the Lloyd Irvin student against the fence with an underhook. The fighters trade positions, then back again, and Dobson lands a knee to the body before breaking away. Mueller is starting to find the mark with her punches now, stringing together a three-piece with a hard left hand on the end. Dobson is stuck on her back foot through the middle of the round, forced to evade as Mueller brings the pressure. Mueller plants a hard left hand on Dobson's grill, eats a jab at the same time. Dobson gets in very deep on a double-leg, but Mueller shows great defense to stand her up in the center.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Mueller
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Mueller
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Mueller

Round 2

Dobson does good work with her jab in the early going of round two, but Mueller once again takes control of the action when she opts to shove "Danger" against the wall. Dobson breaks free and fires a combination, but she can't find the mark as Mueller dashes away. Dobson is keeping her preferred distance and showing much better head movement this round, slipping Mueller's power punches to land some sharp jabs and counters. Dobson pushes Mueller away with a side kick to the chest, then rips a nice right hand into the Californian's body. Inside the final minute of the round, Mueller times a jab and lands a clean right hand that instantly bloodies Dobson's nose.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dobson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Dobson
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Dobson

Round 3

Mueller lands another right hand that leaves Dobson rubbing her nose. Dobson eats a few more heavy punches that force her into a takedown attempt, and now "Danger" is able to slow the assault by pulling Mueller to the floor. Mueller hooks a leg and climbs back to her feet, then reverses to the outside after being run against the fence. Dobson is bleeding from her nose, looking tired as the UFC newcomer leans heavy on her. Dobson breaks loose with 2:40 on the clock, lands an inside leg kick. The next kick is caught by Mueller, who trips Dobson to the ground and comes down to side control. Dobson shifts her hips, trying to reclaim guard, but instead is able to push Mueller and scramble to her feet. A body shot from Dobson folds Mueller, but "Princess Tiger" is able to cover up the damaged area. Mueller scores a trip takedown, but Dobson jumps back up and starts attacking the body again. Mueller wraps up Dobson and stays safe by riding out the final 10 seconds in the clinch.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Dobson (29-28 Dobson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Mueller (29-28 Mueller)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Dobson (29-28 Dobson)

The Official Result

Lauren Mueller def. Shana Dobson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Gilbert Burns vs. Dan Moret

Round 1

Burns throws kicks to the legs, body and head of the southpaw Moret in the opening minute, but UFC newcomer Moret doesn't appear interested in catching any of the strikes to start a grappling exchange. "Durinho" goes upstairs with another kick, has it blocked, then slams Moret with a nasty overhand right. Moret reddens the nose of Burns with a left hand, but the Brazilian continues to punish the "Hitman" with hard body kicks. Moret stings Burns with another left hand, but Burns just swings heavy punches in return, then clinches and trips Moret to the ground with ease. Burns works to control Moret on the floor with just over one minute left in the round. Moret grabs the fence to stand up, but Burns puts him right back on the floor and feeds him punches to the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Burns
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Burns
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Burns

Round 2

Burns counters a Moret low kick with a left hand but keeps a good distance from the southpaw in the early going of round two. An uppercut from the Brazilian puts Moret on roller skates, swinging wild punches as he wobbles backward toward the fence. Burns catches up with Moret at the wall and uncorks a beauty of an uppercut that sends Moret to the canvas in a heap. Burns has an opportunity to tee off on his unconscious opponent, but he opts to wait for referee Nick Jones to catch up with the action and stop the fight.

The Official Result

Gilbert Burns def. Dan Moret via KO (Punches) R2 0:59

Krzysztof Jotko vs. Brad Tavares

Round 1

Jotko works southpaw as he jumps in and out of range, dodging a couple ill-intentioned right hands from Tavares in the opening minute. Tavares keeps coming forward, slinging single punches at first, then using a left hook-right straight combo to clock Jotko a few times. Tavares digs an underhook and shoves Jotko against the fence, but the ATT fighter slips out the side and circles back to the center. Jotko rushes forward with a pair of uppercuts, both bouncing off the tight guard of Tavares as he backpedals. Jotko rushes Tavares for a quick takedown, but the American springs right back to his feet. Jotko tries to work on the fence as the middleweights stand, but he winds up pulling guard before the end of the round.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tavares
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tavares
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Tavares

Round 2

After a tense opening minute, Jotko catches a kick and clips Tavares with an uppercut before releasing the leg. Tavares has the center of the cage, but Jotko is doing the better work on the outside so far with his counters. Tavares catches Jotko leaning over and slams him with a right kick to the body, then a jumping knee. Jotko looks hurt but keeps his footing, so Tavares steps inside to press him against the fence. Jotko turns Tavares' back to the wall with two minutes on the clock, only to be spun right back around. The 185ers continue to trade positions on the fence for another minute, with neither man mounting much in the way of offense. They separate with 50 seconds on the clock, Jotko comes chasing after Tavares and narrowly dodges the American's jump knee. Tavares lands the hook behind it and pushes the Pole against the wall for the final 10 seconds.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Tavares
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Tavares
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Jotko

Round 3

Jotko slaps the hand of Tavares with a left high kick that barely misses the head, and Tavares fires back with a thudding right kick that lands flush to Jotko's midsection. Tavares continues to work from the center, picking at Jotko's legs and landing a hard right hand over the top. Jotko catches a kick and runs Tavares against the fence. Tavares immediately spins to the outside, lowers his head and comes over the top with a hellacious right hand that takes Jotko's legs out from under him. Jotko is on his side, just covering up as Tavares bombards him with hammerfists. Referee Al Guinee gives Jotko a few seconds to recover, recognizes that the beating isn't going to stop, and steps in to stop the fight.

The Official Result

Brad Tavares def. Krzysztof Jotko via TKO (Punches) R3 2:16

John Moraga vs. Wilson Reis

Round 1

Moraga shuts down the first takedown attempt of the bout, and the Arizona native keeps his distance on the outside as Reis presses out from the center. Moraga spends the first two minutes doing work with leg kicks for the southpaw, while Reis occasionally bursts forward to try and land a left hand, with limited success. Moraga snaps off a jab, then lands an uppercut as Reis shoots on his legs. Moraga snatches a guillotine and jumps guard, holding on to the choke as Reis slams him to the ground, rolls over and stands. The Brazilian powers out of the choke and holds Moraga on the fence, but again it's Moraga getting the better of the striking as they work in close quarters. Inside the final minute, Reis comes over the top with a left hand, then shoots into a knee from Moraga that lands to the BJJ wiz's body. Moraga once again turns a Reis takedown attempt into a near submission, briefly catching Reis in a choke. Reis completes the takedown, however, and finishes the round on top.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Moraga
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Moraga
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Moraga

Round 2

Moraga uses good head movement to dodge a Reis combination, then dings the Brazilian with a nice left hook to the jaw. Reis gets in deep on a double-leg and spins a sprawling Moraga to the ground with a slick takedown. Moraga uses a headlock to get back on his feet, tries to turn it into a guillotine as the flyweights stand, but Reis breaks free. Back to striking with three minutes remaining, Reis catches Moraga with a kick to the body, but it's "Chicano John" doing the better work with his counter punches. Moraga fends off another takedown attempt, jabs the body of Reis and then leaps into the air to land a jump knee. Reis changes levels for a double-leg takedown in the center of the cage, breaking up another Moraga guillotine in the process. Reis uses an arm-triangle setup to force Moraga to roll over, giving up his back. Reis attaches himself with both hooks in and begins fishing for a rear-naked choke, but Moraga rolls over and takes top position with 20 seconds left. Moraga comes over the top with a pair of slashing elbows, one of which lumps up Reis' head instantly.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Moraga
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Moraga
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Moraga

Round 3

Moraga gets taken down near the fence but soon gets back on his feet. Reis tries to keep him pressed against the fence, but Moraga soon works his way out of the clinch. The flyweights come back to the center of the cage, where Moraga is able to resume landing some long punches on his shorter opponent. Reis shoots again and plants Moraga on the mat near the fence. Moraga's left side is near the fence, with Reis working from half guard on the right. Moraga rolls to his knees, Reis jumps on his back, and Moraga tries to prevent the back-mount by pulling Reis' arm over the top. Reis secures the position with a body triangle and spends the final minute working for a rear-naked choke. The Brazilian comes close to catching the RNC in the final 15 seconds, but Moraga survives the dangerous spot to hear the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Reis (29-28 Moraga)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Reis (29-28 Moraga)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Reis (29-28 Moraga)

The Official Result

John Moraga def. Wilson Reis via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00

Muslim Salikhov vs. Ricky Rainey

Round 1

Salikhov gets Rainey going backward with some hard low kicks, then trips up the American. Rainey keeps his footing, throws a left high kick but sticks out a hand with fingers outstretched, catching Salikhov in the eyes. Referee Chris Tognoni calls for the doctor, who examines Salikhov and quickly clears him to continue. When action resumes, Salikhov whips around with a spinning kick to the body that sends Rainey flying backward against the fence. Salikhov ducks under a left from Rainey and looks for a trip takedown, but the larger man is able to stay standing. Halfway through the round, Rainey tries a double-leg and gets stuffed, then touches Salikhov with a long left hand. Now a right straight-left hook scores for "The Sniper," and suddenly the striker Salikhov looks stuck in reverse. Salikhov catches a body kick and tosses Rainey to the ground, then catches the North Carolina native with a punch as he stands. Inside the final minute, Salikhov is pulling up short with his punches but finds the mark on Rainey with a body kick. Rainey changes levels and grabs for Salikhov's waist in the final 15 seconds but can't make a takedown happen.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Rainey
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Rainey
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Rainey

Round 2

Salikhov takes the center of the cage and follows as Rainey circles the outside. The American seems to be jawing at Salikhov a bit, but the chatter stops as Salikhov knocks Rainey to the floor with a kick. Salikhov wants Rainey back on his feet, and now it's the "Sniper" coming forward on the Russian. Rainey lands a chopping outside leg kick, grabs Salikhov in the Thai plum, but the "King of Kung Fu" gets his arms up to block Rainey's knees aimed at his body. Halfway through the round, the pace has slowed as the welterweights circle in the center. Salikhov lands a clean left hook that Rainey acknowledges with a nod. Rainey nods to Salikhov again after a nasty inside low kick. Rainey tries to corner Salikhov on the fence, but Salikhov comes over the top with a right hand that catches the American behind the ear. Rainey flops to the ground, drops to his back and gets knocked senseless by three hard shots from the standing Salikhov, as referee Tognoni rushes in for the stoppage.

The Official Result

Muslim Salikhov def. Ricky Rainey via KO (Punches) R2 4:12

Tim Boetsch vs. Antonio Carlos Jr.

Round 1

Carlos works from the center and presses out with his right hand cocked, while Boetsch moves in short angles around the outside, trying to get a read on the Brazilian in the opening minute. "Cara de Sapato" goes inside with a hard leg kick, then another. Boetsch throws and gets countered by a big right hand. Again, Boetsch throws a big right hand, and Carlos goes right underneath to crack "The Barbarian" on the other side. Boetsch fights off a trip attempt at the fence; referee Herb Dean calls for work in the clinch, so Carlos changes levels and takes down Boetsch with a powerful double-leg. One minute remains as Carlos tries to jump on Boetsch's back. Boetsch blocks the hooks from his knees, but Carlos opens him up with a flurry of punches. Carlos brings his right leg across Carlos' front and secures back-mount with a body triangle. Within seconds, "Cara de Sapato" has a deep rear-naked choke locked on, and Boetsch is forced to tap before he goes to sleep.

The Official Result

Antonio Carlos Jr. def. Tim Boetsch via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) R1 4:28

Cortney Casey vs. Michelle Waterson

Round 1

Waterson hops in circles around the outside for the opening minute, picking at Casey's legs with a few speedy kicks. When Casey finally gets hold of Waterson, she delivers a knee to the body but can't corral the "Karate Hottie" long enough to land anything else. Waterson lands a kick and stands in front of Casey for too long, and "Cast Iron" swipes a left hand across her face. Soon after, a right hand from Casey catches an off-balance Waterson on the ear, forcing the Jackson-Wink MMA representative to backpedal furiously to escape. Casey jams Waterson up against the fence, but it's Waterson turning the tables with a trip that lands her on top with 90 seconds left in the opening round. Casey throws up a triangle from the bottom, but it's broken up by Waterson, who comes crashing back to the mat with a right hand. Waterson tries to follow with hammerfists, but Casey grabs hold of an arm, trying for a late armbar. Waterson stays safe and sets up in Casey's full guard for the final 30 seconds, slugging Casey with a hard right hand before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Casey
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Waterson

Round 2

Casey comes out aggressive, backing Waterson up to the fence with a combination, then laying a kick across the former Invicta champ's body. Casey moves in to clinch, but it's Waterson landing a pair of elbows in close quarters. Casey cuts off an angle and plunges a right straight onto Waterson's face. This sends Waterson circling away, then changing levels and shooting to complete a takedown in the center of the cage. Casey backs up to the fence, one foot on Waterson's hip, throws up a triangle and then switches to an armbar. Waterson has the arm clear almost instantly, now sets up in Waterson's guard. Casey swings her hips around for another armbar attempt, but again Waterson is able to step over the top when Casey goes belly-down. The strawweights scramble up just before the horn, and Waterson scores a late knockdown with a kick to Casey's face.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Casey
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Waterson
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Casey

Round 3

Waterson goes upstairs with a head kick, then takes a right hand in return from Casey. The 115ers tie up on the fence, taking turns in the outside position until Casey hits Waterson with a pair of knees to the body. They disengage and come back to the center, where Waterson ducks under a punch from the larger woman and counters with a left hand. Inside the three-minute mark, Waterson hits another trip takedown, but Casey sweeps on top immediately and attacks with another armbar. Waterson gets the arm free but now finds herself in danger of a heel hook. The leglock attempt dissipates quickly, and Casey jumps back to her feet with 1:50 on the clock. Waterson slugs her with a right hand as she stands, and now a much slower Casey walks forward on the "Karate Hottie." Waterson tries a single-leg, gets countered and sprawled on by Casey, who catches Waterson on her knees and socks her with short left hands. With 40 seconds left, Casey spins around to the back and starts unloading on the kneeling Waterson, looking for a late finish. Casey takes the back and tries a rear-naked choke, then transitions to an armbar which Waterson is still defending at the final horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Casey (29-28 Casey)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Casey (29-28 Casey)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Casey (29-28 Casey)

The Official Result

Michelle Waterson def. Cortney Casey via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Israel Adesanya vs. Marvin Vettori

Round 1

Vettori opens with a leg kick, then checks one from Adesanya, who moves to the outside as the Italian works from the center. Adesanya blocks a left high kick, then slips an overhand left and ties up as Vettori steps inside. Vettori pushes Adesanya against the wall but can't hit the inside trip that he wants. The middleweights separate and circle in the center of the cage. Adesanya continues to work on Vettori's legs, but Vettori times one kick well and puts a pair of punches on Adesanya's face. Still, it's the 6-foot-4 Adesanya landing the cleaner, more accurate strikes to the legs and body of the "Italian Dream." An accidental poke to Vettori's eyes pauses the action momentarily; when action resumes, Vettori comes out with a hard kick for Adesanya's midsection. Adesanya lands an inside leg kick that leaves Vettori stepping gingerly on his left leg.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 2

After the first exchange of the round, Vettori turns to referee Herb Dean, apparently complaining of a foul. The ref tells Vettori to fight on, so the Italian shoots a deep double-leg that puts Adesanya on his back foot. The Nigerian shows great takedown defense, then pushes Vettori away to resume striking. Adesanya slips a punch from Vettori and comes straight back to pop the Italian with a straight right. Adesanya goes to the body, then to the leg. Adesanya delivers a heavy standing elbow strike to the left side of Vettori's face. Vettori, who didn't see the elbow coming, turns to referee Dean, complaining of another foul despite a clearly legal strike. Vettori is hanging tough and swinging back at Adesanya, but "The Last Stylebender" is having his way on the feet, now throwing in some flashy spinning kicks.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Adesanya
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Adesanya

Round 3

Vettori changes tactics and completes an early takedown in the final frame, planting Adesanya on his back at the base of the fence. It takes the better part of two minutes, but Adesanya eventually works his way back to his feet, despite Vettori trying to stay heavy in top half. Halfway through the round, Vettori hits another takedown at the wall. Adesanya climbs back to hs feet with 95 seconds remaining, while referee Herb Dean issues repeated calls for work in a slow-moving clinch. Dean separates the fighters with 70 seconds reamaining; Vettori is still throwing punches, but they're coming slow now, allowing Adesanya to react and dodge most of what the Italian throws in his direction.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Adesanya)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Adesanya)
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Vettori (29-28 Adesanya)

The Official Result

Israel Adesanya def. Marvin Vettori via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00

Carlos Condit vs. Alex Oliveira

Round 1

Oliveira switches between orthodox and southpaw as he holds the center of the cage, hopping around in a wide stance with his hands held low. Condit lands a few leg kicks as he circles just out of range, also switching stances. Ninety seconds in, the welterweights tie up; Oliveira rushes Condit against the fence, then hits a combination trip-slam to plant the former WEC champion on his back. "Cowboy" passes to half guard on Condit's right side, now begins setting up an arm-triangle choke. Condit disrupts the choke and puts Oliveira back in guard, so Oliveira stands up and tries to keep Condit on the floor. Oliveira tries to grab a guillotine as Condit now takes him down, but the Brazilian holds on to the choke for too long and puts himself in danger of a Von Flue shoulder choke. Condit goes knee-on-belly and hits Oliveira with a few hard punches, forcing Oliveira to try and escape. Condit jumps on the back of "Cowboy" and immediately loops his left arm around his neck. Oliveira fights off the first attempt, but Condit applies the choke again with 10 seconds left. Oliveira looks to be in deep trouble this time, but he fights his way free again just before the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Condit
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Condit

Round 2

Condit catches the incoming Oliveira with a right hand, but "Cowboy" rolls with it and then plows Condit to the ground again, just moments into the round. Oliveira stands up, but the horizontal Condit is still able to pop the Brazilian in the jaw with a pair of long upkicks. Oliveira sets up in Condit's guard again, but the "Natural Born Killer" sits up against the wall, drives forward and turns the tables with a takedown of his own. Along the way, Oliveira slices Condit open with an elbow to the side of the head, and now Condit on top is leaking blood all over the bottom man. Condit stands, gets drilled with an upkick and seems to go limp momentarily. The Amerian comes to his senses and drives forward, looking for a double-leg, but Oliveira already has him snared in another headlock. This one looks deep, and Oliveira wrenches the high-elbow guillotine as he stands Condit up against the wall. Condit drops to his knees, but referee Chris Tognoni does well to recognize that the veteran is still conscious and fighting the choke. Oliveira isn't letting go, however; after adjusting the angle and giving one final squeeze, Condit taps out.

The Official Result

Alex Oliveira def. Carlos Condit via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 3:17

Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje

Round 1

Referee Herb Dean is the third man in the cage for tonight's five-round lightweight main event. Gaethje presses out from the center at the onset, hitting Poirier with several inside leg kicks in the first 30 seconds. Poirier backs up the former WSOF champion with a combination, but Gaethje appears to deflect most or all of the punches with his high guard. Something got through for Poirier, however, as Gaethje is already gut somewhere around his left eye. Meanwhile, Poirier is still absorbing heavy shots to the inside of his right leg, and one shot even drops "The Diamond" to his knees. Poirier strings together a nice combination of punches and low kicks, but again Gaethje is able to deflect most of them. Gaethje keeps slamming the legs of Poirier with heavy kicks, then covering up when the veteran throws a combo. Poirier doubles, now triples up on a jab that snaps back Gaethje's head, and Gaethje whiffs on the subsequent low kick. Gaethje is standing right in front of Poirier now, just covering up as the Louisiana native tees off with punches, and Poirier is starting to have more success as a result. A cracking left hook to the side of the head connects for Poirier, who's coming on strong here in the second half of the round. Gaethje continues to land nasty leg kicks, but Poirier is inflicting some heavy damage upstairs in the meantime.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Poirier
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Poirier
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Poirier

Round 2

Gaethje continues to press forward at the start of round two, covering up when Poirier fires punches and high kicks in his direction. Gaethje sticks a jab, then has to back up as Poirier throws another big combination. Gaethje is deflecting the strikes, but he's absorbing them nonetheless. In the next exchange, Gaethje's outstretched hand catches Poirier in the right eye. Referee Dean offers to call the doctor, but Poirier needs only a few seconds to recover, while Gaethje gets a firm warning for leaving his hands open while striking. Poirier starts kicking back, now tags Gaethje with a blistering left hook. Gaethje is swinging for the fences, throwing big overhands and looking for a homerun, but Poirier slides out of the way every time. A five-piece combination for Poirier gets through, but Gaethje doesn't budge, just stops covering up and walks forward again. Poirier tries a takedown, gets denied by Gaethje, and now the lightweights go back to striking. Down to the final minute of round two, Poirier blasts Gaethje with a big right hook. "The Diamond" triples up on the right hook, then slugs Gaethje with the left, then comes over the top with another right. Gaethje is still throwing low kicks but he's taking some seriously headshots in the interim. Poirier tries a late single-leg and runs Gaethje agains, where the former WSOF champ makes Poirier pay with a hard elbow. Gaethje flips at Poirier with a "rolling thunder" kick, and it may have partially landed as Poirier stays standing with his hands on his knees after the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 10-9 Poirier
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Poirier
Josh Stillman scores the round 10-9 Poirier

Round 3

Gaethje lands an inside leg kick, then throws another which Poirier leaps backward to avoid. Poirier, now sporting a cut on the outside corner of his right eye, changes levels and drives Gaethje to the ground with a quick double-leg in the center. Gaethje stands up immediately, lands an inside leg kick but takes a left hook to the ribs from Poirier in return. Gaethje steps into the pocket, slipping a jab, and comes over the top with a right hand that leaves Poirier staggering backward. Gaethje remains measured, picking at Poirier with some left hands from the outside, now moving inside to clinch and jam "The Diamond" up against the wall. Gaethje lands a good knee to the body just before Poirier is able to escape the clinch. Ninety seconds remain in the third, and Gaethje is still landing kicks on Poirier's already damaged right leg. Poirier doubles over after taking one kick, then drives forward to push Gaethje against the wall. Gaethje reverses to the outside, circles away, then comes back to throw hands. Again, Gaethje's outstretched hand catches Poirier in the right eye. This time, referee Dean takes one point from Gaethje for the foul, having already issued a warning in the previous round. Poirier tells the doctor that he's OK, and the lightweights get back to action with a touch of gloves. The final 15 seconds tick down without incident -- until Poirier catches Gaethje with a finger to the left eye right at the horn.

Sherdog Scores

Tristen Critchfield scores the round 9-9
Chris Nelson scores the round 9-9
Josh Stillman scores the round 9-9

Round 4

Gaethje comes forward throwing leg kicks, and Poirier times one perfectly, rocking "The Highlight" with a beautiful left-handed counter. Gaethje is in all sorts of trouble, wobbling backward and trying to swing punches in return as Poirier tees off with follow-up shots. Gaethje is out on his feet, his arms not functioning correctly, while Poirier continues to blast away with both hands. Referee Dean is already taking a close look when a right straight-left hook combo sends Gaethje to the canvas. That's all the ref needs to see, and Dean steps in to wave off the contest. Dustin Poirier becomes only the second man to finish Justin Gaethje, who has now been knocked out in back-to-back bouts after beginning his career on an 18-0 run.

The Official Result

Dustin Poirier def. Justin Gaethje via TKO (Punches) R4 0:33